Learning All About Auto Body Restoration

Car Tips: 2 Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

12 February 2015

Cody Wade

Being stranded is a frustrating situation, and it can also delay your day. Your car may not start for a number of reasons. But there are 2 common reasons to consider, and you may be able to get your car running again without an auto specialist:

1. Battery Connection Problems

If your car does not crank at all when you try to start it, this could mean that the battery cable is loose. You can follow the steps below to check your connection:

1. Turn off your car and all your electrical components, like your headlights. Use gloves and goggles for your safety. 
2. You just need to lift up your hood, and find the battery. Make sure all connections are tight and snug.
3. The cables should not be corroded, as this can cause problems with the connection.
4. If you need to, you may need to disconnect and clean the cables with a battery cleaner (which you should have in your car in case of emergencies).
5. Make sure you use the right socket to loosen up the clamps holding the battery cables in place. And disconnect the negative side before you disconnect the positive.

2. The Battery Is Dead

You may hear a click when you try to start your car, and this could mean that the battery has simply died. The best thing to do in this situation is to get a jump from a good Samaritan. You can also use your cell phone to call a friend or your roadside assistance; they can help you get on the road in no time. 

Make sure you connect the cables correctly. Remember that the positive side of the car battery is usually connected to a red cable and the negative side is connected to the black cable. Follow the steps below to jump start your car:

1. Park vehicles close enough so that the cables can reach the battery. Do not let the vehicles physically touch. 
2. Turn off both cars and all electrical components like the radio or the lights. 
3. Put some gloves and goggles on for your safety. 
4. Connect your jumper cables in the right order. First, connect the red side of your jumper cables to the red terminal of each battery. Connect the black side of your jumper cables to the negative terminals of each battery. 
5. Start the working vehicle, and rev the vehicle a little above idle for 30 to 60 seconds to charge the bad battery. 
6. Try to start your car, and it should work unless the battery is faulty.

As you can see, you can get your car working again with the aforementioned tips if your battery is the problem. Remember that you can avoid this by regularly taking your car to your auto repair specialist for a checkup. To learn more, contact a company like The J.A.P. Shop with any questions you have.

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